An Analytical Model for a Sectored Cellular Network with Embedded Small Cells

In order to handle the huge amounts of data transmitted through hot spots and to increase cell coverage in buildings, this paper proposes a sectored cellular network with small cells (SCNSC) embedded in each sector. Two region types, sectors and variable-radius small cells are classified in an SCNSC macro cell. Because the system capacity is enhanced by using fractional frequency reuse (FFR), the overall channel bandwidth is divided into two or three frequency bands depending on whether the number of sectors in a macro cell is even or odd. For the purpose of topological evaluation on the proposed SCNSC, we build an analytical model using Markov chain theory. The performance measures include new-call blocking and handoff-call dropping probabilities, average waiting times, and normalized throughputs in each sector and its embedded small cell by varying mobile stations’ moving speeds, the number of sectors, and the radius size of an embedded small cell. From the evaluation results, it is demonstrated that adjusting either the number of sectors or the coverage of an embedded cell can satisfy different service demands.

Impact of antenna and beam-selection-based sectored relay planning for 備 performance evaluation of 4G LTE-A tri-sectored cell

The deployment of Relay Nodes (RNs) in 4G LTE-A networks, mainly originating from the wireless backhaul link, provides an excellent network planning tool to enhance system performance. Better coordination between the base station and relays to mitigate inter-cell interference becomes an important aspect of achieving the required system performance, not only in the single-cell scenario, but also in multi-cell scenarios. In this paper, we model and analyze two basic approaches for designing a 4G LTE-A tri-sectored cellular system. The approaches are based on Antenna Selection Sectored Relaying (ASSR) and Beam Selection Sectored Relaying (BSSR). The main purpose of the proposed schemes is to enhance system performance by improving the quality of the wireless relay backhaul link. In this technique, antenna selection takes into consideration Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) communication, whereas BSSR considers the case of Line-Of-Sight (LOS) communication using heuristic beam forming approach. The resource allocation problem has also been investigated for relay based cooperative LTE-A trisectored cell in the downlink. The best possible location for relay node in the sector, power allocation and MIMO channel modeling is formulated as an optimization problem with the aim of maximizing the end to end link rate and the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) of 4G LTE-A systems. Power allocation/optimization has been solved by means of the duality equation of the stationary Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) cond让ion and is used to derive optimal values for the beam forming vector on both the relay as well as the access link. The performance of the proposed scheme is verified through simulations carried out using MATLAB software. The simulation results show a significant improvement in the SINR, throughput capacity, and coverage area of the 4G LTE-A cell, while guaranteeing better quality of service.

Dynamic Channel Allocation in Sectored Cellular Systems

It is known that dynamic channel assignment(D CA ) strategy outperforms the fixed channel assignment(FCA) strategy in omni-direc tional antenna cellular systems. One of the most important methods used in DCA w as channel borrowing. But with the emergence of cell sectorization and spatial d ivision multiple access(SDMA) which are used to increase the capacity of cel lular systems, the channel assignment faces a series of new problems. In this pa per, a dynamic channel allocation scheme based on sectored cellular systems is p roposed. By introducing intra-cell channel borrowing (borrowing channels from n eighboring sectors) and inter-cell channel borrowing (borrowing channels from n eighboring cells) methods, previous DCA strategies, including compact pattern ba sed channel borrowing(CPCB) and greedy based dynamic channel assignment(GDCA) schemes proposed by the author, are improved significantly. The computer simu lation shows that either intra-cell borrowing scheme or inter-cell borrowing s cheme is efficient enough to uniform and non-uniform traffic service distributi ons.

The First Five Years of a Phase Theory for Complex Systems and Networks

In this paper,we review the development of a phase theory for systems and networks in its first five years,represented by a trilogy:Matrix phases and their properties;The MIMO LTI system phase response,its physical interpretations,the small phase theorem,and the sectored real lemma;The synchronization of a multi-agent network using phase alignment.Towards the end,we also summarize a list of ongoing research on the phase theory and speculate what will happen in the next five years.

2P3FL:A Novel Approach for Privacy Preserving in Financial Sectors Using Flower Federated Learning

The increasing data pool in finance sectors forces machine learning(ML)to step into new complications.Banking data has significant financial implications and is confidential.Combining users data from several organizations for various banking services may result in various intrusions and privacy leakages.As a result,this study employs federated learning(FL)using a flower paradigm to preserve each organization’s privacy while collaborating to build a robust shared global model.However,diverse data distributions in the collaborative training process might result in inadequate model learning and a lack of privacy.To address this issue,the present paper proposes the imple-mentation of Federated Averaging(FedAvg)and Federated Proximal(FedProx)methods in the flower framework,which take advantage of the data locality while training and guaranteeing global convergence.Resultantly improves the privacy of the local models.This analysis used the credit card and Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection Evaluation(CICIDS)datasets.Precision,recall,and accuracy as performance indicators to show the efficacy of the proposed strategy using FedAvg and FedProx.The experimental findings suggest that the proposed approach helps to safely use banking data from diverse sources to enhance customer banking services by obtaining accuracy of 99.55%and 83.72%for FedAvg and 99.57%,and 84.63%for FedProx.

How can technology and efficiency alleviate the dilemma of economic growth and carbon emissions in China's industrial economy? A metafrontier decoupling decomposition analysis

This paper attempts to explore the decoupling relationship and its drivers between industrial economic increase and energy-related CO_(2) emissions(ICE). Firstly, the decoupling relationship was evaluated by Tapio index. Then, based on the DEA meta-frontier theory framework which taking into account the regional and industrial heterogeneity and index decomposition method, the driving factors of decoupling process were explored mainly from the view of technology and efficiency. The results show that during2000-2019, weak decoupling was the primary state. Investment scale expansion was the largest reason hindering decoupling process of industrial increase from ICE. Both energy saving and production technology achieved significant progress, which facilitated the decoupling process. Simultaneously, the energy technology gap and production technology gap among regions have been narrowed, and played a role in promoting decoupling process. On the contrary, both scale economy efficiency and pure technical efficiency have inhibiting effects on decoupling process. The former indicates that the scale economy of China's industry was not conducive to improve energy efficiency and production efficiency, while the latter indicates that resource misallocation problem may exist in both energy market and product market.

Large-scale particle trapping by acoustic vortices with a continuously variable topological charge

Strengthened directivity with higher-order side lobes can be generated by the transducer with a larger radius at a higher frequency. The multi-annular pressure distributions are displayed in the cross-section of the acoustic vortices(AVs)which are formed by side lobes. In the near field, particles can be trapped in the valley region between the two annuli of the pressure peak, and cannot be moved to the vortex center. In this paper, a trapping method based on a sector transducer array is proposed, which is characterized by the continuously variable topological charge(CVTC). This acoustic field can not only enlarge the range of particle trapping but also improve the aggregation degree of the trapped particles. In the experiments, polyethylene particles with a diameter of 0.2 mm are trapped into the multi-annular valleys by the AV with a fixed topological charge. Nevertheless, by applying the CVTC, particles outside the radius of the AV can cross the pressure peak successfully and move to the vortex center. Theoretical studies are also verified by the experimental particles trapping using the AV with the continuous variation of three topological charges, and suggest the potential application of large-scale particle trapping in biomedical engineering.

A Multi-Token Sector Antenna Neighbor Discovery Protocol for Directional Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper,we propose a Multi-token Sector Antenna Neighbor Discovery(M-SAND)protocol to enhance the efficiency of neighbor discovery in asynchronous directional ad hoc networks.The central concept of our work involves maintaining multiple tokens across the network.To prevent mutual interference among multi-token holders,we introduce the time and space non-interference theorems.Furthermore,we propose a master-slave strategy between tokens.When the master token holder(MTH)performs the neighbor discovery,it decides which 1-hop neighbor is the next MTH and which 2-hop neighbors can be the new slave token holders(STHs).Using this approach,the MTH and multiple STHs can simultaneously discover their neighbors without causing interference with each other.Building on this foundation,we provide a comprehensive procedure for the M-SAND protocol.We also conduct theoretical analyses on the maximum number of STHs and the lower bound of multi-token generation probability.Finally,simulation results demonstrate the time efficiency of the M-SAND protocol.When compared to the QSAND protocol,which uses only one token,the total neighbor discovery time is reduced by 28% when 6beams and 112 nodes are employed.

Stochastic Air Traffic Flow Management for Demand and Capacity Balancing Under Capacity Uncertainty

This paper introduces an innovative approach to the synchronized demand-capacity balance with special focus on sector capacity uncertainty within a centrally controlled collaborative air traffic flow management(ATFM)framework.Further with previous study,the uncertainty in capacity is considered as a non-negligible issue regarding multiple reasons,like the impact of weather,the strike of air traffic controllers(ATCOs),the military use of airspace and the spatiotemporal distribution of nonscheduled flights,etc.These recessive factors affect the outcome of traffic flow optimization.In this research,the focus is placed on the impact of sector capacity uncertainty on demand and capacity balancing(DCB)optimization and ATFM,and multiple options,such as delay assignment and rerouting,are intended for regulating the traffic flow.A scenario optimization method for sector capacity in the presence of uncertainties is used to find the approximately optimal solution.The results show that the proposed approach can achieve better demand and capacity balancing and determine perfect integer solutions to ATFM problems,solving large-scale instances(24 h on seven capacity scenarios,with 6255 flights and 8949 trajectories)in 5-15 min.To the best of our knowledge,our experiment is the first to tackle large-scale instances of stochastic ATFM problems within the collaborative ATFM framework.

What is the role of cognitive-behavioral career coaching in mitigating work anxiety and depression among public employees?

This editorial explores the study by Mkpoikanke Sunday Otu and Maximus Monaheng Sefotho on the use of cognitive-behavioral career coaching(CBCC)to reduce work anxiety and depression among public employees.Public sector workers often face significant psychological stressors,leading to mental health issues that impair well-being and job performance.The study employed a grouprandomized trial design,involving 120 public employees diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression.Participants were divided into a treatment group,receiving CBCC,and a control group with no intervention.Results showed a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels in the treatment group,sustained through follow-up assessments.The findings underscore the clinical relevance of CBCC as an effective intervention for improving mental health among public employees.Future research should explore the scalability of CBCC across different sectors and cultural contexts,as well as its integration with other mental health interventions.This editorial advocates for the broader implementation of CBCC practices in public service to enhance employee productivity and psychological well-being.By addressing cognitive distortions and fostering adaptive coping mechanisms,CBCC can help public employees navigate complex professional environments,ultimately contributing to a healthier and more efficient workforce.

An Investigation into Green Total Factor Productivity in China's Carbon-Intensive Sectors and Its Influencing Factors

This paper uses an SBM-GML index model to assess Green Total Factor Productivity(GTFP)in China's carbon-intensive sectors and conducts an empirical investigation into which factors influence GTFP in these sectors.The GTFP in the carbon-intensive sectors experienced a decline between 2006 and 2011,followed by an upward trend beginning in 2012.Technological progress was the primary driver of GTFP growth,while business size was also a notable contributor.Irrational energy structures negatively influenced the high-quality development of the carbon-intensive sectors,and environmental regulation and foreign direct investment(FDI)have not yet significantly impacted GTFP.Based on these findings,this paper suggests that the carbon-intensive sectors should expedite their green transitions by focusing on system improvement,technological innovations,energy revolutions,and high-level opening up.

Mitigating Carbon Emissions:A Comprehensive Analysis of Transitioning to Hydrogen-Powered Plants in Japan’s Energy Landscape Post-Fukushima

One of the impacts of the Fukushima disaster was the shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan,reaching zero production in 2015.In response,the country started importing more fossil energy including coal,oil,and natural gas to fill the energy gap.However,this led to a significant increase in carbon emissions,hindering the efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.In the current situation,Japan is actively working to balance its energy requirements with environmental considerations,including the utilization of hydrogen fuel.Therefore,this paper aims to explore the feasibility and implications of using hydrogen power plants as a means to reduce emissions,and this analysis will be conducted using the energy modeling of the MARKAL-TIMES Japan framework.The hydrogen scenario(HS)is assumed with the extensive integration of hydrogen into the power generation sector,supported by a hydrogen import scheme.Additionally,this scenario will be compared with the Business as Usual(BAU)scenario.The results showed that the generation capacities of the BAU and HS scenarios have significantly different primary energy supplies.The BAU scenario is highly dependent on fossil fuels,while the HS scenario integrates hydrogen contribution along with an increase in renewable energy,reaching a peak contribution of 2,160 PJ in 2050.In the HS scenario,the target of reducing CO_(2) emissions by 80%is achieved through significant hydrogen penetration.By 2050,the total CO_(2) emissions are estimated to be 939 million tons for the BAU scenario and 261 million tons for the Hydrogen scenario.In addition,the contribution of hydrogen to electricity generation is expected to be 153 TWh,smaller than PV and wind power.

Socio-Demographic and Occupational Aspects of HIV-HBV Co-Infection in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR): Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: HIV-HBV co-infection is a major public health problem that has not been sufficiently explored in the Central African workplace. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of HIV-HBV co-infection among people who living with HIV (PLHIV) in the infectious and tropical diseases department of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de lAmiti Sino-Centrafricaine in Bangui. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2021 in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department at the Amiti Sino-Centrafricaine University Hospital. It included the files of all PLHIV, which included the results of HBV serology. A standardized form was used to collect socio-demographic and professional data by documentary review. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 7 software. Means, proportions were calculated as well as Chi square witch was significant if p-value was below 0.05. Results: The study included 265 patients, 188 were women (70.1%) and 77 men (29.1%), giving a sex ratio of 0.45. Mean age was 35.8 years, higher in men (40 years) than in women (35.8 years) (p 0.0001). The age groups 25 to 34 (37.7%) and 35 to 44 (33.6%) were in the majority (71.3%). The majority of PLHIV were unemployed (57.1%), including housewives (43.0%). HBV prevalence was 14.3%, including 7.2% among the unemployed, who account for half of all co-infections. The search for associations between HIV-HBV co-infection and all socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status) and socio-professional categories showed no significant difference (p 0.05). Conclusion: PLHIV were predominantly young adults, female, and unemployed;no occupation was significantly associated with co-infection. The vast majority of co-infected people were not covered by the occupational health system (unemployed or informal sector). Urgent action is needed to improve workers access to occupational medicine in CAR.

Women on Boards of Directors

This research aims to measure the current gender representation in membership of boards of directors,and to study the factors affecting the presence of women on boards.The results of the study will support the decision makers and policy makers at all levels by providing knowledge that contributes to bridging the current gap in participation of women boards.The methodology used in this research is the descriptive analytical approach,which relies on quantitative methods in the process of collecting and analyzing data.This study represents the boards of directors in the three sectors(public,private,and non-profit)in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,The study sample contained 350 targets,where a random sample of 150 people in the public sector,100 people in the private sector,and 100 people in the non-profit sector were selected.The research result found that the majority of the responses believe that the lack of experience and training,and social factors,are the most impact areas of explaining the reasons for the existence of a gap in women’s membership in boards of directors in the three sectors.And the most important reasons for the existence of a gender gap in board membership are:there is no statutory minimum percentage for women’s representation on boards of directors,and scarcity of female competencies in general,and the lack of women occupying leadership positions.

International Perspective of Understanding the New Quality Productive Forces

Developing the new quality productive forces is an inherent requirement and an important focus for promoting high-quality development. However, it is not enough to understand the whole picture merely from a domestic perspective. The concept of new quality productive forces was put forward due to the changes in the international environment, including the emergence of anti-globalization trends and the economic policies of some major economies that are less open than before. With the changes in the global economic concept, China's economic development needs its innovative theory. As the world's second-largest economy, China is committed to the development of new quality productive forces and will make significant contributions to global development. In theory, it shows direction for the development of new quality productive forces on a global scale. In practice, it provides experiences for other economies to develop new quality productive forces. It also helps address the common challenges facing global development. The competition between major countries in traditional fields will continue, but in the case of the development of new quality productive forces, it will show some new characteristics. It will be more reflected in the field of strategic emerging industries, the confrontation risk in major country rivalry will be reduced, and strategic planning and design will become more important.

An Assessment of Procurement Risks Management Systems in the Public Sector

Risk management in public procurement is a critical aspect that needs to be addressed in the public sector.Several studies have been conducted to understand the challenges and factors influencing risk management in public procurement.These studies have explored the importance of risk management principles,the role of political influence,and the need for effective risk assessment and anticipation.The research has also highlighted the need for specific risk management mechanisms and tools to be implemented in public procurement processes.Risk management reforms in the public sector are essential but often circumvented due to assorted reasons,such as political influence and the emergence of new risks.The research investigation employs a quantitative research design.A total of 380 questionnaires were recovered from respondents.The study showed that the public sector has a procurement risk management system that is effective,but there may be some areas for improvement in the prequalification process,onboarding process,and support provided to newly onboarded suppliers.Additionally,the public sector used some strategies to mitigate and control contract risks during the procurement process,but there were some areas for improvement in the review and lessons learned process,risk mitigation measures,contract monitoring and performance evaluation mechanisms,and communication and documentation process.Finally,the results suggest that there were constraints placed on the risk management strategies currently utilized by professionals working in the public sector.These constraints include insufficient support and buy-in from senior management and stakeholders,bureaucratic or administrative hurdles,inadequate policies and regulations,insufficient training and skill development opportunities,and insufficient resources.The study highlights the significance of tackling risk management in the realm of public procurement and offers valuable perspectives on avenues for enhancement,obstacles encountered by practitioners,and the necessity of thorough evaluation and revisions.Through the adoption of the suggestions originating from this study,governmental entities can improve their procurement risk management frameworks and guarantee improved adherence to risk management principles.

简讯

China speeds up digital transformation of manufacturing sector China has started to channel more energy into the digital transformation of its manufacturing sector to foster new quality productive forces and strengthen the economic momentum.During a recent executive meeting,the State Council adopted an action plan aimed at advancing manufacturing digitalization.

The Influence of Information Technology(IT)on Accrual Accounting Adoption:The Case of the Jordanian Public Sector

Jordan is one of many countries that intends to reform its public sector by adopting accrual accounting,which is primarily carried out through the International Public Sector Accounting Standards(IPSAS)implementation plan,scheduled to be completed by 2021.Considering the difficulties of adoption,this process cannot be completed without an appropriate Information Technology(IT)system capable of providing the accounting information required for this reform.Therefore,this study aims to examine the influence of IT on accrual accounting adoption in the Jordanian public sector.The study employed the quantitative survey approach.Based on 331 usable questionnaires,the descriptive findings showed that the use of IT in the Jordanian public sector is relevant to daily accounting transactions in general and to accrual accounting in particular.The regression analysis showed a positive,significant relationship between IT use and accrual accounting practice.The IT specialist should be able to understand the needs of public sector in adopting accrual-based accounting.In line with today’s digitalization age,which integrates advanced technologies and numerous techniques,this study suggests that a combination of accounting and IT experts is a value added to sharpen the competitiveness of public sector reform.This study contributes to the extant literature in public sector,concerning the relationship between IT and accrual accounting adoption in the context of Jordan.

Carbon Footprint in Waste Sector of Hydropower Plant: A Case Study of Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Plant

While hydropower is generally considered a clean energy source, it is important to recognize that their waste can still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The purpose of this study is to assess the carbon footprint associated with the waste sector throughout the operational phase of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant in Laos. Understanding the environmental impact of the waste sector is crucial for ensuring the plant’s sustainability. This study utilizes the theoretical estimation method recommended in the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, as well as the Requirements for Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals. We emphasize the significance of implementing sustainable waste management practices to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the environmental impact of hydropower operations. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, this paper also provides insights into the environmental implications of waste management in hydropower plants and identifies strategies to mitigate the carbon footprint in the waste sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental sustainability of hydropower plants and provide valuable guidance for policymakers, energy producers, and environmental practitioners involved in hydropower plant design and operation.

Epidemiological Profile of Men Who Have Sex with Men: First Data about Male Sex Workers in Central African Republic (CAR)

Objectives: Sex work is not well documented among African men. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men (MSM) and eventually to determine the proportion of sex workers (SW) among them, as well as the proportion of MSM who have been victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study coordinated by the Direction de la Médecine du Travail was carried out at the headquarters of the association ALTERNATIVES in Bangui Bangui from July 1 to October 31, 2021. Consenting MSM present during the study period were systematically included. Sociodemographic variables, those relating to the future vision of the activity and to GBV were collected and analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 software. Results: Forty MSM with an average age of 23 years and mainly secondary education (75.0%) were included. The vast majority of MSM were unemployed (85.0%). 45.0% had been victims of GBV and wanted to stop working as an MSM (47.5%), and almost 2/3 (65.0%) would accept another income-generating activity in exchange for the MSM. Violence was sexual (32.5%), economic (22.5%), physical (20.0%), verbal (12.5%) and psychological (12.5%). Conclusion: The MSM were mainly young, poorly educated, unemployed, and almost half were victims of GBV. The desire to change MSM activity to another income-generating activity alongside that of MSM shows that many of them are SW, workers in the informal sector. This must be taken into account in prevention activities, even if the data needs to be confirmed on a much larger sample.